Which joint is primarily assessed by the AC compression test?

Which joint is primarily assessed by the AC compression test?

• A. Acromioclavicular joint pathology
• B. Glenohumeral joint pathology
• C. Acromioclavicular joint
• D. Scapulothoracic articulation

Answer: (C)

The test targets the acromioclavicular joint. By squeezing the clavicle toward the acromion, you compress the AC joint and stretch its ligaments. If there’s AC joint pathology (like a sprain or separation), this maneuver reproduces pain and may reveal instability at the AC joint. The other options aren’t the primary focus: the glenohumeral joint isn’t stressed by this compression, and the scapulothoracic articulation isn’t a true joint with a capsule to test. So the joint primarily assessed is the acromioclavicular joint.

The test targets the acromioclavicular joint. By squeezing the clavicle toward the acromion, you compress the AC joint and stretch its ligaments. If there’s AC joint pathology (like a sprain or separation), this maneuver reproduces pain and may reveal instability at the AC joint. The other options aren’t the primary focus: the glenohumeral joint isn’t stressed by this compression, and the scapulothoracic articulation isn’t a true joint with a capsule to test. So the joint primarily assessed is the acromioclavicular joint.